How long has Detroit had a holiday tree?
A giant decorated pine tree has been a hallmark of the holidays in Detroit for over 100 years. The first municipal Christmas tree was decorated (by city employees) and lit in 1913 in front of the old city hall. Over the years, it’s been held in various locations, like Kennedy Square and Hart Plaza.
How long has it been in Campus Martius?
The ceremony moved to Campus Martius Park in November 2004 — coinciding with the park’s grand reopening after a year of construction. This was also the first year that the Downtown Detroit Partnership produced the ceremony — which the organization has overseen every year since.
Where does the tree come from, and what kind of tree is it?
The DDP selects a tree from a Michigan grower or property owner — with assistance from Dutchman Tree Farms — who donates it. “We’ve found trees in the past as far downstate as Commerce and as high up as Mackinaw City with their help,” says David Cowan, the DDP’s chief public spaces officer. Typically, the tree is a Norway spruce at least 60 feet tall.
How do they get it up, and where does it go after it’s taken down?
Once the tree is harvested, the following day, the tree is transported downtown. Upon its arrival, the tree is lifted by crane and placed onto the Woodward Fountain. After the festivities have concluded, the tree is often ground into mulch to be used in local parks, playgrounds, or gardens.
How many lights does the tree have, and how long does it take to decorate it?
There are over 20,000 twinkling lights and hundreds of beautiful ornaments, making the tree a stunning centerpiece for the holidays. A team of 10 is selected to decorate and install the tree over a week’s time. A 7.5-foot-tall star is placed at the top of the tree as the final touch to make the park light up with holiday spirit.
How is the community impacted by the tree lighting?
The ceremony is more than just a visual spectacle. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic to Campus Martius and downtown in general. The tree lighting ceremony started off with 2,000 attendees in 2004. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary (and 21st ceremony), the event regularly draws over 100,000 guests from all over the state and even Canada, according to the DDP.
What else should I know?
The tree lighting ceremony takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Through Jan. 13, you can enjoy a variety of activities and special offerings in and around the park, including an ice rink; carriage rides; holiday markets; and food, drinks, and family-friendly activities at the Cadillac Lodge. Visits and photos with Santa take place at 1001 Woodward Ave. through Dec. 24.
This story originally appeared in the December 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Dec. 9.
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